Description

What is Caprylyl Glycol?

Caprylyl Glycol (INCI: Caprylyl Glycol; CAS 1117-86-8), chemically 1,2-octanediol, is a versatile eight-carbon vicinal diol supplied as a white waxy low-melting solid, often in flakes or pastilles, that becomes a clear liquid when warmed. It is one of the most widely used multifunctional glycols in modern cosmetic preservation concepts. Its medium-length alkyl chain gives it meaningful emollient and humectant properties together with membrane-disrupting antimicrobial activity, making it an effective preservative booster that enhances the performance of phenoxyethanol and other primary preservatives. It conditions and softens both skin and hair, improves wetting and spread, and contributes a smooth, dry skin feel. It is found across skin care, hair care, color cosmetics, wipes and mild reduced-preservative concepts.

Key Benefits

• Preservative booster: enhances primary preservatives and supports broad-spectrum protection at low levels.
• Emollient softening: smooths and conditions skin and hair without a heavy feel.
• Humectant hydration: attracts moisture while improving spread and wetting.
• Skin and hair care versatility: suitable for creams, lotions, serums, conditioners and styling products.
• Mild profile: a staple of gentle, modern and reduced-preservative formulations.
• Sensory refinement: contributes a smooth, elegant, slightly dry after-feel.
• Multifunctional value: combines preservation support, conditioning and wetting in one ingredient.

FAQ

Q1: Why is caprylyl glycol a solid but added as a liquid? A1: Its melting point is around 36–38°C, so it is warmed and added molten, after which it remains incorporated in the finished product.

Q2: Is caprylyl glycol itself a preservative? A2: It has antimicrobial activity but is generally used as a booster alongside a primary preservative such as phenoxyethanol.

Q3: Can it be used in hair care? A3: Yes — it conditions hair and scalp, improves wetting and is common in conditioners, treatments and styling products.